2012 MERCEDES-BENZ S-CLASS SEDAN air condition

Setting the airflow
You can set the airflow separately for the
driver’s and front-passenger side.
XSelect left airflow = or right airflow A by
turning cVd the COMAND controller and
press W to confirm.XTo adjust the airflow: slide ZVÆ or turn
cVd the COMAND controller.XTo confirm the selection: press W the
COMAND controller.
Climate control main menu
COMAND allows you to set additional
functions which cannot be selected using the
control panel in the center console. Call up
these functions using the climate control
main menu.
XTo open the climate control main
menu: select the AC climate control
symbol in the air-conditioning function bar
by turning cVd the COMAND controller
and press W to confirm.
The climate control menu opens.
Climate control main menu
You can:
R switch cooling with dehumidification on or
off ( Æ )
R control climate control centrally ( Mono)
R adjust the Footwell Temperature
R set the Airflow for the air vents
R operate the Rear air conditioning from the
front
Switching cooling with air
dehumidification on/off
Cooling is operational when the engine is
running, and cools according to the selected
interior temperature for the vehicle. Cooling
also dehumidifies the air inside the vehicle
and, thereby, prevents the windows from
fogging up.
GWARNING
If you switch off cooling with
dehumidification, the vehicle will not be
cooled and the air not dehumidified in warm
weather conditions. The windows can mist up
faster. This could result in your no longer
being able to observe the traffic conditions
properly and you may cause an accident.
i Condensation may collect on the
underside of the vehicle when the cooler is
operating.
XSelect the climate control main menu in the
air-conditioning function bar by turningVehicle271COMANDZ

cVd the COMAND controller and press
W to confirm.
The climate control menu opens.XTo switch on: select Æ and press W.XTo switch off: select Æ and press W.
A tick appears.
Controlling climate control centrally
You can use the Mono function to set all the
air-conditioning zones in the vehicle to the
same settings. If the Mono function is
switched on and you adjust climate control
on the driver’s side, these changes will also
be made in all the air-conditioning zones.
XSelect the climate control main menu in the
air-conditioning function bar by turning
cVd the COMAND controller and press
W to confirm.
The climate control menu opens.XSelect Mono and press W.
A tick appears when the function is
selected.
The Mono function is automatically switched
off if you:
R change settings for automatic climate
control on the front-passenger side using
COMAND
R press one of the rocker switches to operate
automatic climate control on the front-
passenger side
R press one of the rocker switches on the
rear-compartment control panel
Adjusting the footwell temperature
You can use the Footwell Temperature
function to set the temperature difference
between the footwell and the rest of the
vehicle interior.
i This setting is quite effective in automatic
mode, especially at low outside
temperatures.
The greater the value you set, the higher the
temperature in the footwell.XSelect the climate control main menu in the
air-conditioning function bar by turning
cVd the COMAND controller and press
W to confirm.
The climate control menu opens.XSelect Footwell Temperature and press
W .
A scale appears.XTo change the temperature difference:
slide ZVÆ or turn cVd.XTo confirm your selection: press W.272VehicleCOMAND

Setting the blower settings for the air
vents
This function allows you to determine the way
the air is blown through the air vents in
automatic mode.
You can select:
R Focused (high blower setting)
R Medium (standard setting)
R Diffuse (low blower setting)
i This setting is quite effective in automatic
mode, especially at high outside
temperatures.
If the vehicle has become very warm and the
automatic air conditioning is cooling the
interior, the blower settings are briefly
canceled.XSelect the climate control main menu in the
air-conditioning function bar by turning
cVd the COMAND controller and press
W to confirm.
The climate control menu opens.XSelect Airflow and press W.
A menu appears.
The current setting is indicated by a # dot.XTo change the airflow: slide ZVÆ or turn
cVd .XTo confirm your selection: press W.
Operating the rear-compartment air-
conditioning system from the front
The rear-compartment air-conditioning
system is operated in the same way as
climate control for the driver and front
passenger.
Switching on operation of the rear-
compartment air conditioning from the
frontXSelect the climate control main menu in the
air-conditioning function bar by turning
cVd the COMAND controller and press
W to confirm.
The climate control menu opens.XSelect Rear Y and press W.
Rear appears in the main menu on the air-
conditioning function bar. The rear-
compartment air-conditioning system can
be controlled from the front.
Main menu for the rear-compartment air-
conditioning system
In the main menu for the rear-compartment
air-conditioning system, you can:
R switch back to front-compartment climate
control operation
R switch off the rear-compartment air
conditioning
R switch automatic mode for the rear-
compartment air conditioning on/off
XTo open the main menu: select the
climate control main menu in the air
conditioning function bar and press W.
The current setting is indicated by a # dot.
Vehicle273COMANDZ

To switch back to operation of the rear-
compartment air-conditioning system from
the front:XIn the climate control main menu, select
Front Climate Control and press W.
The air-conditioning function bar shows the
climate control settings for the driver and
front passenger.
To switch off the rear-compartment air
conditioning:
XIn the climate control main menu, select
Rear Climate Control OFF and press
W .
To switch on automatic mode for the rear-
compartment air conditioning:
XIn the climate control main menu, select
Rear Automatic and press W.
Automatic mode for the rear-compartment
air-conditioning system is switched on.
Seats
Lumbar supports
The lumbar support in the backrest of the
driver's and front-passenger seats can be
adjusted to provide optimum support for your
back.
XTo select the seat: press the T
function button.
The main area of the COMAND display is
active. A scale appears.XTo move to the lower menu bar: select
by sliding ZVÆ the COMAND controller
and press W to confirm.
i
When you press the T function button,
the previously adjusted seat is active.
XTo adjust the lumbar support: select by
sliding XVY or turning cVd the COMAND
controller and press W to confirm.
Multicontour seat
i
Information about the components and
operating principles of COMAND can be
found on ( Y page 122).
The contour of the driver's seat and front-
passenger seat backrests can be individually
adjusted to provide optimum support for your
back. This is achieved by controlling the
pressure in the air chambers in the
multicontour seat.
The adjustments are made using the
COMAND display.
i When you adjust the multicontour seat,
you may hear the air being pumped in or
released.
You can adjust the following air cushions:
R seat side bolsters
R seat backrest side bolsters
R backrest curvature in the lumbar region
R backrest curvature in the upper back
region
XMake sure that the SmartKey is in position
2 in the ignition lock.XPress the T function button.
Selecting the seat
You must first select the seat for which you
wish to make adjustments.
XPress the T function button.
The main area is active.XTo move to the lower menu bar: select
by sliding ZVÆ the COMAND controller
and press W to confirm.274VehicleCOMAND

the high-beam headlamps are switched on
automatically. The K indicator lamp in
the instrument cluster also lights up.
If you drive at speeds below approximately
30 mph (45 km/h) or if other road users
are identified or if the roads are sufficiently
illuminated:
the high-beam headlamps are switched off
automatically. The K indicator lamp in
the instrument cluster goes out. The _
indicator lamp in the instrument cluster
stays on.XTo deactivate: move the combination
switch back to its normal position.
The _ indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster goes out.GWARNING
The Adaptive Highbeam Assist is only an aid
intended to support you while driving. The
driver is and remains responsible for proper
vehicle lighting in accordance with the
prevailing light, sight and traffic conditions.
The system may be impaired or unavailable
when
R visibility is poor, e.g. due to snow, rain, fog,
or heavy spray
R the optical sensor area of the windshield is
dirty, fogged up, or covered by a sticker for
example
The system cannot recognize the following
road users:
R Road users without a lighting system of
their own, e.g. pedestrians
R Road users with dim lighting of their own,
e.g. cyclists
R Road users whose lighting is obstructed,
e.g. road users behind a guardrail
R In some seldom cases, even road users with
a lighting system of their own may be
recognized too late or not at all.
The automatic high-beam headlamps will then
not be deactivated or it will be activated in
spite of preceding or oncoming road users.
This could endanger you and/or others and
cause an accident. Always pay close attention
to the traffic situation and switch off the high
beam manually if necessary.
Headlamps fogged up on the inside
The headlamps may fog up on the inside if
there is high atmospheric humidity.
XDrive with the headlamps switched on.
The level of moisture diminishes,
depending on the length of the journey and
the weather conditions (humidity and
temperature).
If the level of moisture does not diminish:
XHave the headlamps checked at a qualified
specialist workshop.
Interior lighting
Overview of interior lighting
Front overhead control panel
:p Switches the left-hand reading lamp
on/off;u Switches the rear interior lighting
on/off=c Switches the front interior lighting
on/off?| Switches the automatic interior
lighting control on/offAp Switches the right-hand reading
lamp on/offInterior lighting285Lights and windshield wipersZ

Useful information
i This Operator's Manual describes all
models and all standard and optional
equipment of your vehicle available at the
time of publication of the Operator's
Manual. Country-specific differences are
possible. Please note that your vehicle may
not be equipped with all features
described. This also applies to safety-
related systems and functions.
i Please read the information on qualified
specialist workshops ( Y page 31).
Overview of climate control systems
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Severe conditions (e.g. strong air pollution)
may require replacement of the filter before
its scheduled replacement interval. A clogged
filter will reduce the air volume to the interior
and the windows could fog up, impairing
visibility and endangering you and others.
Have a blocked filter replaced at a Mercedes-
Benz Center as soon as possible.
GWARNING
Follow the recommended settings for heating
and cooling given on the following pages.
Otherwise, the windows could fog up,
impairing visibility and endangering you and
others.
Automatic climate control controls the
temperature and the humidity in the vehicle
interior and filters undesirable substances
from the air.
Automatic climate control is only operational
when the engine is running 16
. Optimum
operation is only achieved if you drive with the
side windows and sliding sunroof/panorama
roof with power tilt/sliding panel closed.
You can also set some automatic climate
control functions via COMAND (Y page 269).
i Ventilate the vehicle for a brief period
during warm weather, e.g. using the
convenience opening feature ( Y page 96).
This will speed up the cooling process and
the desired vehicle interior temperature
will be reached more quickly.
i The integrated filter can filter out most
particles of dust, and completely filters out
pollen. A clogged filter reduces the amount
of air supplied to the vehicle interior. For
this reason, you should always observe the
interval for replacing the filter, which is
specified in the Maintenance Booklet. As it
depends on environmental conditions, e.g.
heavy air pollution, the interval may be
shorter than stated in the Maintenance
Booklet.
i It is possible that the blower may be
activated automatically 40 minutes after
the SmartKey is removed. The vehicle is
then ventilated for 30 minutes to dry the
air-conditioning system.16 The residual heat function can only be activated/deactivated if the ignition is switched off.294Overview of climate control systemsClimate control

Switching the rear-compartment
climate control on/off using the rear
control panelXTurn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.XTo switch on: press rocker switch
K (Y page 295) up or down and select
AUTO .
or
XPress rocker switch K(Y page 295) up or
down and select MAN.XTo switch off: press rocker switch
K (Y page 295) up or down and select
OFF .
Activating/deactivating cooling with
air dehumidification
Important information
The cooling with air dehumidification function
is only available when the engine is running.
The air inside the vehicle is cooled and
dehumidified according to the temperature
selected.
GWARNING
If you switch off the cooling function, the
vehicle will not be cooled when weather
conditions are warm. The windows can fog up
more quickly. Window fogging may impair
visibility and endanger you and others.
Condensation may drip from the underside of
the vehicle when it is in cooling mode. This is
normal and not a sign that there is a
malfunction.
You can activate or deactivate the cooling
with air dehumidification function via
COMAND ( Y page 271).
i The cooling with air dehumidification
function uses refrigerant R134a. This
coolant does not contain
chlorofluorocarbons, and therefore does
not damage the ozone layer.
Problems with the cooling with air
dehumidification function
If you can no longer switch on the cooling with
air dehumidification function via COMAND,
the cooling with air dehumidification function
is switched off due to a malfunction.
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
Setting climate control to automatic
GWARNING
If you switch off the cooling function, the
vehicle will not be cooled when weather
conditions are warm. The windows can fog up
more quickly. Window fogging may impair
visibility and endanger you and others.
In automatic mode, the set temperature is
maintained automatically at a constant level.
The system automatically regulates the
temperature of the dispensed air, the airflow
and the air distribution.
Automatic mode will achieve optimal
operation if cooling with air dehumidification
is also activated. If desired, cooling with air
dehumidification can be deactivated.
Controlling the front climate control
using the front control panel
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.XSet the desired temperature.X To switch on: press the à rocker
switch up or down.
The indicator lamp in the à rocker
switch lights up.Operating the climate control systems297Climate controlZ

Windows fogged up on the outsideXSwitch on the windshield wipers.XActivate automatic climate control.
iYou should only select this setting until
the windshield is clear again.
Rear window defroster
Activating/deactivating
GWARNING
Any accumulation of snow and ice should be
removed from the rear window before driving.
Visibility could otherwise be impaired,
endangering you and others.
The rear window defroster has a high current
draw. You should therefore switch it off as
soon as the window is clear. Otherwise, the
rear window defroster switches off
automatically after several minutes.
If the battery voltage is too low, the rear
window defroster may switch off.
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.XPress the ¤ rocker switch up or down.
The indicator lamp in the ¤ rocker
switch lights up or goes out.
Problems with the rear window
defroster
The rear window defroster has deactivated
prematurely or cannot be activated.
XSwitch off any consumers that are not
required, e.g. reading lamps or interior
lighting.
When the battery is sufficiently charged,
the rear window defroster is activated
again automatically.Activating/deactivating air-
recirculation mode
You can deactivate the flow of fresh air if
unpleasant odors are entering the vehicle
from outside. The air already inside the
vehicle will then be recirculated.GWARNING
Fogged windows impair visibility,
endangering you and others. If the windows
begin to fog on the inside, switching off the
air recirculation mode immediately should
clear interior window fogging. If interior
window fogging persists, make sure the air
conditioning is activated, or press the ¬
button.
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.XTo activate: press the g rocker switch
up or down.
The indicator lamp in the g rocker
switch lights up.
i Air-recirculation mode is activated
automatically at high outside
temperatures. The indicator lamp in the
g rocker switch is not lit when
automatic air-recirculation mode is
activated.
Outside air is added after about
30 minutes.
X To deactivate: press the g rocker
switch up or down.
The indicator lamp in the g rocker
switch goes out.Operating the climate control systems301Climate controlZ